The ZHA masterplan, designed in collaboration with Russian studio Pride TPO, seeks to integrate new public space and amenities into the rich maritime history and traditions of Novorossiysk, achieved through careful consideration of building orientation, views, and landscape.

The 13.9-hectare masterplan aims to unite “recreational, cultural, corporate, and ecological functions within a coherent composition that reinstates the city’s embankment promenade as important civic space.” The scheme therefore sees nine principal buildings orientated perpendicular to the seas front to maintain existing views.

In a concept of “instancing,” the nine buildings offer varying iterations of a single form, evolving in a gradient across the site, with the configuration of each building responding to a unique function and requirement.

Offering a total floor area of over 3 million square feet (300,000 square meters), the buildings will contain facilities for civic, cultural, and corporate events, as well as a hotel. The restoration of the city’s waterfront also includes the design of vibrant public space along Tsemes Bay for residents and visitors, and a new fishing port, marina, and piers to reactivate the city’s maritime heritage.

The outdoor landscaping and public space strategies were aided by the decision to restrict vehicular access to the area, creating opportunities for outdoor leisure, sports, and recreation throughout most of the year in the city’s coastal, subtropical climate.

More than 40 teams from 13 countries entered the competition, with second place awarded to Miralles Tagliabue (Spain) with Progress (Russia) and third place awarded to Rudy Riccotti (France) with ProjectService (Russia) and JNC (Belgium).

Construction is due to begin in the second half of 2019. Check out a video below by morean- digital realities and Revolution Production Studio which offers further views and commentary of the proposed scheme.